New brain scan tracks Alzheimer's protein in real time
NCT ID NCT04104659
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study uses a radioactive tracer called [18F]MK-6240 to take detailed pictures of tau protein clumps in the brain, a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease. Researchers will scan 200 people from families with a rare genetic form of Alzheimer's to see how tau buildup changes over time and relates to memory loss. The goal is to better understand the disease's progression, not to test a treatment.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
[18F]MK-6240 (a radioactive tracer for PET scans)
What this could lead to
If successful, this could help doctors better understand how Alzheimer's disease progresses and improve early detection.
What could go wrong
This is an observational imaging study, not a treatment trial. It may not lead directly to new therapies, and results may not apply to all forms of Alzheimer's.
Disclaimer
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the original study
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Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
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Locations
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Washington University School of Medicine
St Louis, Missouri, 63110, United States